What It Leads To

I hate to admit this, but a man once told me he did not like
my sermons, and wanted me to change the subject and content of my preaching. I asked him to identify my errors, and
he said I was preaching the truth but he was afraid of "what
it might lead to." (I was preaching on the work of the church,
and congregational independence.) I replied that I realized
one might make a "hobby" of truth and "beat to death" a subject (he did not accuse me of this), but that I could not see
how TRUTH, properly balanced, could lead to anything but
that for which it was given, viz, to make men free from error
and sin (John 8:31,32).

On the other side of the coin, we frequently find timid souls who
hibernate in inactivity, and equate doing nothing
with soundness in the faith. They may acknowledge that the
work proposed is in keeping with the Scriptures, but if it calls
for some unaccustomed activity -- a change from the status
quo -- they fear "what it might lead to."

Life itself is a movement -- we exist in a state of flux -- and
direction is influenced by every facet of life. Change (even in
that which is good) will affect attitudes and viewpoints, and
could evolve new temptations. But remaining at rest also
affects attitudes and viewpoints, and could involve new temptations. The monastic life is no guarantee of sinlessness. It
may BE sin in itself.

No man steps twice in the same flowing stream. The stream is moving, and his second step is into water that was yet
above him when the first step was taken. We may begin to do something in
good faith, and with ample authority; and find later that circumstances are now
such as to make the
continuation of our work wrong. It takes a good man to face
this, adn let divine authority, rather than his own traditions,
guide his life. Many will let tradition overrule the application
of God's Word to his life. But fear of what may happen (when
no Scriptural principle is violated, nor Scriptural warning ignored) Makes for "False Soundness."

Truth never "leads to" error, and right is not the father of
wrong. This is the point of James 1:13-18 and I John 3:6ff. We
sin when we quit following God and follow Satan.

Although "times change" and new circumstances constantly arise, we have an unchanging standard, suited to all ages.
We are faithful only when we ACT upon its teachings. The
church is the "pillar," not the "pillow" of God's truth (I Timothy 3:
15).

Permission is given in advance to use the material and pictures on this site for non-commerical purposes. We only ask that you give credit to the original creators. A link back to this site is not required, though it is always appreciated.